I asked a lady if she had mailed the auction item. she said, "you live on the other side of the country. That's why it is taking longer." 

I am sure it was mailed First Class. 

Is she correct?

greg

Now she said "As far as I know, unless you send it Air Mail, it travels across the country in a tractor trailer truck. So I think that's a 4 or 5 day trip. :-)"

I've no idea how mail travels.  First Class should arrive to just about any location in the lower 48 in 3 to 4 days.   I know Priority arrives in South Carolina from Washington State in 1 to 2 days.  Unfamiliar with the parcel rates, and we all know Media Mail can go coast to coast in 3 days, 3 weeks, or anywhere in between.

Domestic air mail no longer exists as a separate class.

I agree, Denise.

Evelyn, thanks for that info on Air Mail.

greg

Greg--   for over 6 months I have had horrible service for any package going to or coming from California-- most books going there almost hit the "lost" date, even ones mailed first class.  I rarely interact with anyone from OR or WA so don't know about  them, but CA has definite problems.

Jeanne - it's interesting how individual experiences can vary greatly. I live in California, and have had no problems at all with mail service in the past 6 months or so. In fact, I have been noticing how quickly I am receiving books.

As far as I know, the only items that do not fly are Parcel Post and certain hazmat items that are not legally allowed to be on planes due to the dangers involved with changes in air pressure.

Media mail and first class mail most certainly do fly across the country, but media mail is not treated as urgent so first class will always be faster.   Normal time range for first class parcels from east to west coast is 3-5 days but not guaranteed.  With winter upon us, the middle of the country has experienced some horrendous weather and when flights get cancelled then the mail that would go on those flights has to sit on the ground until the airport is clear again.  That may be the reason for some cross country mail being delayed.  Hope this info is helpful.

Did your package arrive Greg?